A thief who stole Poppy Appeal collection boxes on Armistice Day has been jailed for eight months.

Bradley Higham, 34, of Penny Lane, Haydock, Merseyside, was found guilty of four counts of theft at Warrington Crown Court.

Higham, who stole a box from a bank in Frodsham and a hotel in Mickle Trafford, both in Cheshire, was also given an anti-social behaviour order.

Ch Insp Jon Ward said the crimes caused "shock and anger" in the community.

Cheshire Police said Higham's thefts, between 6 and 11 November last year, also included taking a collection for the British Legion appeal from a convenience store in Thelwall and a St Rocco's Hospice charity box from a chip shop in Padgate.

Mr Ward said Cheshire Police were "pleased with the decision of the courts to imprison Higham for what can only be described as a despicable pattern of offending".